Below is a list of the candidates for this election along with some biographical information for each. Click here when you are ready to vote.

The order in which the name of the candidates appear was determined by random draw and does not indicate appropriateness for election. The order differs from what was published in CreditLines.

This year, nominees with the greatest number of votes will fill three (3) open seats on Hawaii State FCU’s Board of Directors. Each position carries a three-year term and begins in June 2024.
 
MONICA TOGUCHI RYAN
MONICA  TOGUCHI  RYAN HSFCU Experience: HSFCU was the first bank I joined as an adult, back in college, and I have been a member for almost 32 years. In 2002, as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Oregon, I received an HSFCU Scholarship.

Education: Mililani High School; University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (BBA in Business Administration; Master's in Education). University of Oregon Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Psychology (I resigned from my program after seven years to take over Highway Inn when my father suffered a stroke)

Work Experience: I am the third-generation owner of Highway Inn, a Hawaiian food restaurant founded by my grandparents in 1947. I started out at age 14, washing dishes; I am proud that since I became CEO, we have quadrupled revenue, expanded to multiple locations and grown to one of the largest women-owned businesses in Hawai‘i.

Board Qualifications: Six-year tenure as a Board member (current Board Secretary), during which I actively contributed to our HQ relocation, pandemic and postpandemic strategies, and member-centric initiatives. As a third-generation small family business owner, I have expertise in the unique financial challenges and needs of owners and employees, who make up the backbone of our local economy. In 2023, I was recognized as the 2023 US-SBA Women-Owned Business for Hawai‘i.

Primary Focus if Elected: As our CU and membership have continued to grow, my central focus remains on our purpose: "We build relationships to enrich lives." Amidst various social, economic, and geopolitical uncertainties, I am committed to prioritizing our strategic objectives and financial stability.

Personal Statement: I bring six years of experience in guiding our CU and have a deep commitment to our CU's values and passion for our community. I would be honored to continue to serve on this board, always right by you.

 
BRENNON MORIOKA
BRENNON  MORIOKA HSFCU Experience: My family has been HSFCU members for over 30 years.

Education: I am a graduate of lolani School, UC Berkeley (BS, MS), and the University of Hawaii (PhD).

Work Experience: I am currently the Dean of the College of Engineering at UH Manoa and have also served in various capacities including the Director for the State Department of Transportation, Deputy Director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, and as an executive with Hawaiian Electric Company, CH2M Hill, and Shioi Construction.

Board Qualifications: I have served on numerous government, private, and non-profit boards over the last 25 years and have a firm understanding of the role and responsibility of a board member to an organization and its members.

Primary Focus if Elected: Through my professional and community service experience, I believe I can help offer guidance on a number of aspects, especially on physical plant issues and organizational structure and operations.

Personal Statement: It would be an honor to serve on the HSFCU board because I believe in public service and HSFCU plays a very important role as a banking option for Hawaii residents, especially to those who serve as public employees in our State. HSFCU provides services and opportunities with its members' benefit on top of mind.

 
JOSHUA STRICKLER
JOSHUA   STRICKLER HSFCU Experience: For fifteen years, HSFCU has helped my family toward financial wellness including auto loans and our mortgage.

Education: University of Hawaii - JD/MBA, Virginia Military Institute, BS Mechanical Engineering.

Work Experience: Twenty-nine years in construction in Hawaii and the mainland. I served in the United States Air Force, and worked at the Hawaii State Energy Office, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii Gas and Johnson Controls. I currently work for Ameresco, developing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout Hawaii.

Board Qualifications: I previously served on the HSFCU Supervisory Committee for nine years. Over that time, I directed the credit union's annual audit, responded to member complaints, oversaw board and management meetings, and reviewed practices and procedures to safeguard members' assets. I also learned about credit union rules and regulation and management responsibilities. Outside of my HSFCU experience, I have extensive experience in lending, finance, budgets, marketing, human resources, and construction development.

Primary Focus if Elected: As a steward of the HSFCU assets, I will be committed making sure our member's needs are met and our assets are protected. My primary focus will be implementing the directives of our strategic plan for growth and to meet members needs that include mobile banking or self-service options and expanding HSFCU's presence throughout Hawaii.

Personal Statement: In 2009 I was working at Hawaii State Energy Office and my wife and I needed to buy larger car for our new baby. As a state employee with limited funds, HSFCU offered the best auto loan rate that allowed me to stretch my dollar a little further. I would be humbled to serve on the HSFCU Board with the duty to ensure the financial wellness for all its members-owners and provide the best rates possible to our members.

 
DONNA IKEDA
DONNA  IKEDA HSFCU Experience: I joined HFSCU in 1972, when I started working as a researcher at the State Legislature.

Education: I am a graduate of University High School and received my BA degree from the University of Hawaii.

Work Experience: My career began as a substitute teacher which allowed me to care for my young children. Later, I served for 22 years in the State House of Representatives and Senate. I chaired committees such as the Senate Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on Consumer Protection. My 18 year tenure at Grand Pacific Life Insurance Co., overseeing taxsheltered annuities, also provides valuable insights into financial products.

Board Qualifications: I also served on the State Board of Education (BOE), the Board of the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH), and the 2016 Honolulu Charter Commission. As a potential Board member, I bring expertise in budgeting, management, and life insurance and annuities. My leadership roles at RCUH, in the legislature and on the BOE have equipped me to serve effectively.

Primary Focus if Elected: If elected, my focus will be on consistently placing the financial well-being of our membership at the forefront of every board decision.

Personal Statement: Our Credit Union, founded by government employees, remains a vital resource for those in public service and beyond and I am enthusiastic about having an opportunity to serve on your Board. I respectfully ask for your support and trust in this endeavor. Together we will continue building a stronger, more prosperous future for all HFSCU members, reaffirming our credit union's reputation as a reliable financial partner.

 
DARREN NAKAO
DARREN  NAKAO HSFCU Experience: At HSFCU, I have been an active user of its services, including checking, savings, credit cards, mortgage, and HELOC. My understanding of our members' needs is grounded in my own experiences with HSFCU's services, from online banking to branch visits and from first joining HSFCU as a newlywed to paying for college.

Education: Growing up in Waipahu and attending lolani School, I've always been part of this vibrant community. I furthered my education at Brown University, earning a degree in Mathematical Economics. Beyond finance, I have a passion for education, having spent two years teaching math and science at the high school level.

Work Experience: As a dedicated member of Hawaii State Federal Credit Union for over 20 years, and the CFO of UHA Health Insurance, a top 50 local company with over $345 million in revenues, I am deeply committed to the financial wellbeing of our community. My extensive experience in financial reporting, audit, and risk management in a heavily regulated industry has honed my ability to steward resources effectively and build safeguards against financial fraud, crucial in today's digital age.

Board Qualifications: With over 25 years in the health insurance and healthcare industry, covering finance, HR, and operations, I am prepared to contribute significantly to the Board of Directors.

Primary Focus if Elected: If elected, my primary focus will be to propel HSFCU as a leader in online and personalized services, ensuring that our members' savings are secure and that the credit union continues to uphold its fiscal responsibilities. I bring a balance of energy and experience vital for navigating these turbulent times, and I humbly seek the opportunity to give back as a volunteer board member.

Personal Statement: My commitment to working collaboratively and prudently is unwavering. I am ready to use my expertise and understanding of our local community to serve HSFCU and its members effectively.

 
DEAN SEKI
DEAN  SEKI HSFCU Experience: As a dedicated member of our Credit Union for over 30 years, I am deeply connected to the values and mission that make our organization special. I humbly seek your support to serve on our Board of Directors.

Education: I am a graduate of H.P. Baldwin High School and hold a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture Technology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Work Experience: Our Credit Union has deep roots in government workers, and this connection resonates with my public sector background. My experience as a Policy Analyst in the Governor's Office, Deputy Director at the Department of Taxation, Acting Deputy Comptroller, Comptroller at the Department of Accounting and General Services, and Director of Fiscal Services in the Judiciary has provided me with a strong foundation in budgeting, fiscal management, and responsibility — skills that can directly benefit our Credit Union.

Board Qualifications: During my career, I have had the privilege of serving in significant government roles across all three branches, including as Budget Chief for the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Finance.

Primary Focus if Elected: If elected, I would be honored to serve our HSFCU community. My entire career has been devoted to public service, and I am eager to continue this commitment by representing our valued members. As a board member, I will prioritize actively listening to our membership and applying my knowledge and experience to make informed decisions on your behalf. My primary goal is to enhance member services and benefits. ensuring that your banking experience with us is exceptional.

Personal Statement: I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to HSFCU and believe that my background, government experience, and dedication to public service make me a qualified candidate for our board. With your support. I am ready to help guide our Credit Union towards a brighter future. Thank you.